From The Desk Of Brick Mayor Lisa Crate
Like many communities across the country, Brick Township is home to a significant population of feral cats, also known as community cats. These are cats without homes that live outdoors. Because cats are skilled hunters and scavengers and can be social animals that live in colonies and reproduce frequently, they are able to survive in these environments. Unfortunately, unmanaged community cat populations can create challenges for both the community and the cats themselves.
To address this issue in a humane and effective way, Brick Township established the Trap-Neuter-Return Program, commonly known as TNR. This program is led by a dedicated committee of volunteers who work in partnership with township staff and registered colony caregivers to responsibly manage the community cat population. Two invaluable members of this committee are Councilman Perry Albanese, who is currently serving his fifth year with the TNR Program, and the Committee Chairman John Talty, a retired Brick Township Police officer who continues to give back to the community.
The mission of the TNR Program is reflected in its name. Cats are humanely trapped, provided with veterinary care including spaying or neutering and then returned to their colony. Once altered, they can no longer reproduce, which is the most humane and proven method of population control. Through a partnership with a local veterinary clinic, each cat also receives a rabies vaccination, is ear-tipped for identification and is microchipped.
At the heart of this program are our compassionate colony caregivers. These residents commit to following program guidelines and take responsibility for the daily care and monitoring of their colonies. Caregivers are vetted to ensure the cats are being kept in safe environments. They receive no compensation for their work and often pay out of pocket for food, supplies and even some veterinary care. This program would not succeed without their extraordinary dedication and kindness.
Currently, Brick Township has 85 registered cat colonies. Through the TNR Program, 354 cats have been trapped, neutered and returned to their colonies. According to the TNR Committee, the number of new community cats being born and identified is steadily decreasing, which shows that this program is working.
A key factor in the success of the TNR Committee is its commitment to funding its efforts through donations and fundraising rather than tax dollars. The committee has launched a successful sponsorship program that allows residents, businesses and organizations to support their work. Members also participate in community events such as the Township Green Fair, National Night Out Against Crime and HollyWoof at a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game to raise awareness. Their fundraising efforts include a 50/50 raffle at SummerFest and popular supply drives held at the Municipal Building and other locations.
The impact of Brick Township’s TNR Program has been so significant that other municipalities have reached out for guidance on establishing similar programs in their communities.
Feral cats exist in every town and ignoring the issue only allows the population to grow. Thanks to the dedication of the Brick Township TNR Committee, this challenge is being addressed with care, compassion and a focus on what is best for both our residents and the cats.
If you would like to learn more about the TNR Program, including how you can donate to or sponsor the program, or to learn how you can become a colony caregiver, please email bricktnr@bricktownship.net. You can also attend a TNR Committee Meeting, The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building and the public is welcome.
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